Neithal Landscape Objects and Medicinal Uses

The term "Thinai" in ancient Tamil literature fundamentally signifies a specific type of land or ecological region, encompassing its unique characteristics, resources, and associated way of life. Tholkappiyar, in his seminal work Tholkappiyam, initially identifies four distinct Thinai: Kurinji (mountainous regions), Mullai (forests and grasslands), Marutham (agricultural plains), and Neythal (coastal regions). Notably, Palai (arid and desert-like regions) is not explicitly mentioned as a primary Thinai in this initial classification. However, in the context of Purathinai – the classification of war and societal activities – Tholkappiyar acknowledges Palai as an 'external' or 'transitional' Thinai, specifically associating it with Vanji (a type of warfare focused on cattle raiding). This implicitly acknowledges five distinct land types. This understanding is further illuminated in the epic Silappathikaram, which describes Palai as a transformed landscape, arising from the desiccation and degradation of the fertile Kurinji and Mullai lands due to prolonged drought or ecological imbalance. Therefore Palai is not a self-existent landscape like the other four, but a derivative one. Focusing on the five lands documented, the Neythal Thinai, characterized by its coastal environment, was primarily inhabited by people who depended on the sea and its resources for their sustenance and livelihood. Their lives revolved around activities such as fishing, salt production, pearl diving, and maritime trade. Consequently, the Neythal people's diet consisted primarily of plant-based foods available in the coastal regions, alongside a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms. Given this close relationship between the Neythal people, their environment, and their diet, this research aims to investigate and highlight the potential medicinal properties inherent in the plants and marine organisms consumed by the inhabitants of the Neythal land. This investigation will explore the traditional knowledge and practices surrounding the use of these resources for health and well-being, potentially uncovering valuable insights into their pharmacological properties and contributions to the overall health of the Neythal community.